In their quest to extend their winning streak across all tournaments to three matches, Everton will host Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park in an eagerly anticipated Premier League fixture on Saturday.
Match Preview
Everton showcased their prowess by securing a 3-0 victory over Burnley in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
James Tarkowski, who has shown a knack for scoring against his former teams this season, played a vital role in breaking the deadlock.
Amadou Onana and Ashley Young further solidified Everton’s win in the second half.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion faced a 1-1 draw against Fulham in their previous encounter.
The Seagulls have been struggling to find success against Fulham, but Evan Ferguson’s impressive finish demonstrated their potential.
However, they were unable to secure a victory as Joao Palhinha equalized for Fulham.
As Everton prepares for an intriguing last-eight tie with Fulham, their recent performance suggests the potential for a successful run.
They have triumphed in five of their last seven fixtures across all competitions.
Everton has also displayed a strong defensive record, with only Liverpool managing to breach their backline in their last four games.
Brighton, on the other hand, has experienced an inconsistent run of form, winning just one of their last seven games across all tournaments.
They currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League table, with 17 points to their name.
The Seagulls have struggled to keep clean sheets in away games, and their previous encounter with Everton resulted in a devastating 5-1 defeat.
Team News:
Everton remains without Dele Alli (groin), Andre Gomes (calf), and Seamus Coleman (knee), who are long-term absentees.
Despite Coleman’s return to full training, caution will be exercised regarding his first-team action.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is likely to replace Arnaut Danjuma in the final third, and Ashley Young may be substituted if needed.
Brighton’s injury situation remains unchanged, with Jakub Moder and Julio Enciso still recovering from knee problems.
Danny Welbeck and Solly March are sidelined due to injuries sustained in the Europa League.
Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupinan might return to the squad after being rested, while Billy Gilmour, Joel Veltman, Ansu Fati, and Evan Ferguson seek starting positions.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Everton:
- Pickford;
- Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko;
- Harrison, Garner, Onana, McNeil;
- Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin
Brighton & Hove Albion:
- Steele;
- Veltman, Dunk, Webster, Milner;
- Gilmour, Baleba;
- Fati, Gross, Mitoma;
- Ferguson
Prediction:
Both Everton and Brighton have a history of high-scoring encounters, but Everton’s recent form suggests they will pose a tough challenge for the injury-hit Brighton attack.
In their last three meetings, a total of sixteen goals have been scored, but a more subdued affair can be expected this time.
Brighton, well-rested and determined, may be limited to just one point against Everton.
- Our prediction: Everton 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
